CrankshaftA crankshaft is a mechanical component used in a piston engine to convert the reciprocating motion into rotational motion. The crankshaft is a rotating shaft containing one or more crankpins, that are driven by the pistons via the connecting rods. The crankpins are also called rod bearing journals, and they rotate within the "big end" of the connecting rods. Most modern crankshafts are located in the engine block.
CrankpinA crankpin or crank pin, also known as a rod bearing journal, is a mechanical device in an engine which connects the crankshaft to the connecting rod for each cylinder. It has a cylindrical surface, to allow the crankpin to rotate relative to the "big end" of the connecting rod. The most common configuration is for a crankpin to serve one cylinder. However, many V engines have each crankpin shared by each pair of cylinders.Big-bang firing orderA big bang engine has an unconventional firing order designed so that some of the power strokes occur simultaneously or in close succession. This is achieved by changing the ignition timing, changing or re-timing the camshaft, and sometimes in combination with a change in crankpin angle. The goal is to change the power delivery characteristics of the engine. A regular-firing multi-cylinder engine fires at approximately even intervals, giving a smooth-running engine.
Straight-four engineA straight-four engine (also referred to as an inline-four engine) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft. Most automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout, and the term "four-cylinder engine" is often used synonymously with straight-four engines.
V8 engineA V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
V4 engineA V4 engine is a four-cylinder piston engine where the cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The V4 engine is less common compared to straight-four engines. However, V4 engines have been used in automobiles, motorcycles, and other applications. DesignSome V4 engines have two crankpins that are shared by opposing cylinders. The crankshaft is usually supported by three main bearings in this type of engine.
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Main bearingA main bearing is a bearing in a piston engine which holds the crankshaft in place and allows it to rotate within the engine block. The number of main bearings per engine varies between engines, often in accordance with the forces produced by the operation of the engine. Main bearings are usually plain bearings or journal bearings, held in place by the engine block and bearing caps.
Coventry ClimaxCoventry Climax was a British manufacturer of forklift trucks, fire pumps, racing engines, and other speciality engines.
Straight-twin engineA straight-twin engine (also known as an inline-twin, vertical-twin, inline-2, or parallel-twin) is a two-cylinder piston engine whose cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft. Straight-twin engines are primarily used in motorcycles; other uses include automobiles, marine vessels, snowmobiles, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, tractors and ultralight aircraft.
V-twin engineA V-twin engine, also called a V2 engine, is a two-cylinder piston engine where the cylinders are arranged in a V configuration and share a common crankshaft. The V-twin is widely associated with motorcycles, primarily installed transversely, though also longitudinally. They are also used in a variety of other land, air, and marine vehicles, as well as industrial applications.
Reciprocating engineA reciprocating engine, more often known as a piston engine, is a heat engine that uses one or more reciprocatingpistons to convert high temperature and high pressure into a rotating motion. This article describes the common features of all types. The main types are: the internal combustion engine, used extensively in motor vehicles; the steam engine, the mainstay of the Industrial Revolution; and the Stirling engine for niche applications.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.